Police warn nuisance bikers they could be 'tagged' with DNA spray
Louts on off-road bikes who have plagued Midlands streets and parks could be 'tagged' to stop them causing a nuisance, police have said.
West Midlands Police officers are being armed with DNA spray in the latest tactic against the bikers.
The force has revealed around 40 traffic cops are being given canisters to ‘tag’ motorbikes and riders who are causing problems in communities.
This DNA liquid is invisible to the naked eye, but when exposed to UV light illuminates and allows officers to identify yobs and seize their bikes.
And the genetic material in each canister has a unique ‘barcode’ which means officers can trace suspects to a particular crime or incident of anti-social behaviour.
Chf Supt Dave Sturman said: “The DNA spray is an inert, water-based product – it’s not an irritant and won’t cause any side effects – but it leaves an indelible mark that cannot be scrubbed off.
“If officers are unable to apprehend offenders at the time they can utilise the spray – and if it later shows up on suspects, their clothes or bikes we can link them to a particular incident.
“The spray has previously been used by police in Merseyside and London with considerable success.
"Even just a drop of DNA spray will mark riders and their bikes for a long time… this tactic will undoubtedly lead to more seizures and prosecutions.”
West Midlands Police arrested suspected bike louts and seized 38 motorbikes during two blitzes in December 2016 and March this year.
More than 50 people are currently under investigation pending a charging decision by the Crown Prosecution Service under 'public nuisance' legislation.
If convicted they face a potential jail sentence.
The DNA spray is initially being trialled by teams of traffic officers ahead of a proposed force-wide roll-out.
West Midlands Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Ashley Bertie added: “Reckless bikers are not only a danger to themselves but also put innocent lives at risk.
"We are bringing in new measures to catch them and take their bikes away, and this is a clear sign that lawless behaviour on off-road bike will not be tolerated.”
